Application and enrollment

WECP, in collaboration with the other UW Madison Child Care Centers is currently updating our enrollment and application process.  Therefore, the process you see here is temporary. If you are interested in joining our wait list, please complete the “Application for Wait List 2020-21” found on this website.  Please email the fillable PDF form to: alauritz@wisc.edu, WECP Director, Ann Lauritzen. Most children enroll in WECP in August/ early September when our academic year begins; however, we also expect to enroll in January and June on a regular basis, and any other time if there is an unexpected opening.  Applications are welcome at any time during the year, but we encourage you to apply as early as possible and at least 6 months before your desired enrollment date. You will receive an e-mail confirming that we have received your application and have been placed on the waiting list. Applications are considered up to the projected enrollment date that you have indicated on your application.

In determining enrollment, we consider the following factors:

• Children who have special needs; with a goal of reserving about 25% to 30% of our enrollment for children with disabilities.
• Children of Waisman Center-affiliated families
• UW faculty, staff and student families
• Families who have siblings in attendance or are alumni families
• Families in our Madison Community
• All Others

Using our waiting list applications, we begin informing families in early March if we have a fall (or summer) spot for their child. We continue informing families until our classrooms are full for the following academic year. Typically, we complete new enrollment by mid-April. If you choose to accept the spot that is offered, we will ask you to submit a non-refundable deposit equal to one month’s tuition, which will be applied toward your first month’s tuition.  If you have not been informed of a spot by mid-April, you may assume that it is unlikely we will have an opening for your child. However, please feel free to call at any time (608-262-4718) or e-mail alauritz@wisc.edu to update information on your application or to inquire about the status of your application. Your call or e-mail will be responded to within a week. We will notify you by e-mail as soon as we know there will not be a spot for your child. This e-mail will also ask if you are interested in staying on our waiting list for the following academic year. We consult our waiting list until our classrooms are filled, or if an unexpected opening occurs during the school year. Once enrolled, you and your child will be invited to visit your child’s classroom where you can meet the staff and other families as well as discuss policies and program issues. Prior to the first day of attendance you will be required to complete enrollment, health and medical consent forms, permission slips, and an enrollment contract, all of which will be kept on file.